Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters is a tour company that has flown guests over the Grand Canyon every day since it was founded by Elling Halvorson in 1965. Its website describes it as the largest and most experienced Grand Canyon helicopter tour company in the world. The name is the French word for butterfly.

Tours and departure points

Tours start from Las Vegas, Grand Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon West Rim, Page in Arizona (for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend) and Phoenix and Scottsdale. Listed tours include the Strip Highlights Night Flight, Grand Celebration, Grand Canyon Deluxe with Hummer, Grand Canyon West Freedom Tour, North Canyon Tour and Grand Discovery Air Tour. The company also offers private flights, wedding and proposal flights and group charters.

Aircraft

Papillon helicopters are the EC130 and H130 EcoStar. Its airplane fleet includes the Cessna Caravan and the De Havilland Vistaliner Twin Otter, used for airplane tours and some West Rim and South Rim packages.

Canyon access

Papillon says it is certified to fly the entire Grand Canyon and has three exclusive landing sites on the canyon floor, on Hualapai and Navajo Nation lands. Its published vision is creating memories for a lifetime with every flight.

Company facts

• Founded 1965 by Elling Halvorson
• Daily Grand Canyon tours from Nevada and Arizona
• Reservations centre open 8 AM to 8 PM Pacific, seven days a week
• The site lists a Tour Operators Program of Safety page
• Offices and terminals in Las Vegas, Grand Canyon National Park and Page